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Savvy retailers realize that not every purchase is a hit: The item might not fit, it could be the wrong color, or that smartwatch may not be very smart. That's why return policies exist.
But the rules vary from retailer to retailer and can depend on several factors, including whether you make the purchase in store or online, what type of item you buy and what time of year you shop.
Here’s what to know about returns, plus where to find some of the best return policies.
Tips for making returns
Preparing for the possibility of a return can save your future self hassle. To make your experience as painless as possible, follow a few best practices:
- Hang on to your receipts. Keep paper receipts in a safe spot until you’re sure about whether you’ll need to make a return. For online purchases, don’t delete email order confirmations.
Apps such as Receipt Hog can help keep track of your receipts in case you need to make any returns or exchanges (some apps give you cash back for receipts, too). Always ask for a gift receipt when shopping for someone else. - Keep tags and packaging. Some stores require you to return merchandise with the original tags and packaging. At the very least, having these things can speed up the return process.
- Learn return timeframes and other policy details. Most retailers allow returns only within a specific window of time, say 14 or 30 days from the purchase date. Having receipts handy and tags attached may not matter if you wait too long. There’s a lot of fine print in each store’s policy, so it’s best to read it online before you shop. Some helpful questions to ask:
- Will the retailer issue the refund via the original form of payment or store credit?
- If you’re mailing back an online order, will you pay any shipping charges?
- Are clearance items final sale?
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Stores with some of the best return policies
Not all return policies are created equal. The most generous policies allow returns or exchanges without a receipt and give 90 days or more to make the transaction.
Here are seven major retailers with standout return policies:
1. Nordstrom
Nordstrom says it handles returns on a case-by-case basis "with the ultimate goal of making our customers happy." If you bought the item at Nordstrom, the high-end retailer probably will take it back and reimburse you. There are no time limits on a return, and you may not need a receipt, although having one will help.
Store associates will look up your purchase in the company database; if they cannot find a record of sale, the refund (if processed) will be provided on a gift card at the current price of the item. Nordstrom returns can also be made at Nordstrom Rack locations.
Good to know: While Nordstrom prides itself on comprehensive returns, there are some exceptions. Like many retailers, gift cards cannot be returned. Other notable items with return restrictions include the Balsam Hill brand of artificial trees (30-day return window or before December 25) and car seats and bases (not accepted unless unopened and in the original box).
2. Costco
Costco offers a “risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee” for returns. The policy entitles you to a full refund with no deadline, with or without a receipt in most cases. If you’re reconsidering your Costco membership for any reason, that’s eligible for a refund too.
Good to know: There are exceptions for some merchandise categories: Electronics have a 90-day return limit and precious metal purchases are not eligible for returns, for example. Likewise, special orders and custom products cannot be returned or refunded.
3. Target
Target’s policy gives shoppers 90 days to return most unopened purchases. But shoppers get up to a full year to return or exchange registry items and Target-owned brands such as Cat & Jack or Threshold. If you don’t have a receipt and Target can’t find one in its system, the refund may be issued to a merchandise return card. Merchandise return cards can be used only for in-store purchases.
Good to know: Electronics have a shorter return time, typically between 14 and 30 days. Trading cards, like Pokemon and sports cards, are not returnable. Other categories, like movies, music and video games, are exchange-only if they’ve been opened.
4. Kohl’s
Kohl’s policy allows returns on most purchases within 90 to 120 days, no receipts required (Kohl’s Card transactions get the longer return window). If you don’t have a receipt and an employee can’t track down the transaction details, your refund will be in the form of a merchandise credit based on the lowest price on the item in the last 13 weeks. Kohl's stores also accept Amazon returns.
Good to know: Baby registry items have a full year to be returned, while Sephora products and premium electronics and watches are subject to a 30-day return policy.
5. Walmart
Walmart generally accepts returns within 90 days of purchase and you don’t need a receipt if you do the return in a store. Without a receipt, you’ll get an even exchange or a Walmart gift card.
Good to know: Walmart's policy has some restrictions on items such as electronics and major appliances. For example, you have two days to return major appliances but 14 to 30 days for electronics.
6. Home Depot
Home Depot’s policy gives customers 90 days to return most merchandise. Proof of purchase is encouraged, as returns made without a receipt may be refunded as store credit. You can return in-store and online purchases to any Home Depot location.
Good to know: Items like furniture (30 days) and major appliances (two days) have shorter return windows, but certain types of plants can be returned within 365 days of purchase for store credit.
7. Ikea
Ikea accepts returns within 365 days for unopened products or 180 days for opened products. You’ll get the full refund in the original form of payment as long as you provide proof of purchase. If you paid in cash, a return may be possible without a receipt, but you’ll need to check with the store and your return may be capped at $50. Ikea also allows small items purchased in store to be returned by mail. You’ll pay shipping costs.
Good to know: Ikea does not accept returns on plants, cut fabric or custom countertops. Also note that mattresses have a 90-day, one-time exchange window.
Keep in mind that most stores will ask you to show a government ID if you make a return without proof of purchase.
Take advantage of nontraditional return options
While returning your items in the store — with a receipt — is the fastest way to get a refund, it’s not always possible. Not all retailers have a brick-and-mortar presence, and some people live far from shopping centers. In these cases, shoppers may be able to take advantage of alternative return models from retailers.
- Third-party locations. Some retailers have partnerships with third-party companies like Happy Returns or the UPS Store 360 Returns program, which allow shoppers to make returns at other designated locations — often with the option to return unboxed items and get quicker refunds. When ordering online, check out the return policy to see if these partnerships will be available to you.
- Curbside pick up or drop off. Check to see if the retailer offers curbside drop off to a retail location or pick up at your home. Walmart, for example, can schedule a FedEx pick up of returns or you can pull up curbside to any Walmart location and return your item without having to get out of your vehicle. This may be especially helpful for bulky or heavy items.
- Resell. If all else fails and you can’t get your items returned, you can always consider reselling them online. Major online marketplaces like eBay can help you offload miscellaneous merchandise, while clothing-specific platforms like Poshmark offer niche sales. Local neighborhood groups and Facebook Marketplace are other avenues to sell unreturnable items you don’t wish to keep.
What to know about holiday return policies
Many retailers alter their return policies around Black Friday and the broader holiday shopping season. Usually, customers get longer return windows.
For example, Amazon — which normally has a 30-day return period — extended the return window for most items bought between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, until Jan. 31, 2026. Macy’s, Best Buy and other stores similarly lengthened their return windows.
But the holiday time tweaks don’t always cover everything. Exclusions may apply to items like cell phones and holiday decor, so read up on return policy details before shopping.
